Lime Tree Kids Blog

It’s Back to School Season and Time for a Back to Bedtime Routine!

Summertime,
and the living is easy - at least until we have to get the kids awake dressed
and ready for school after a sweltering 40+ degree night. Yes, back to school time means it's time for a bedtime routine for kids, of all ages.

But if you are finding your kids are not
getting enough sleep you are not alone.

The
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute found that 40% of children have a sleep
problem in the first 6 months of starting school. With the most common reported difficulties
being falling to sleep, waking in the night, and fear of sleeping alone. And if you are feeling stressed about your
children’s lack of sleep - that’s normal too.
The study found that children’s sleep problems are also associated with
poor child and parent mental health.

What
can parents do?

Here are 10 sleep tips to enjoy happier bedtimes once your kids are back at school!

Have
a regular bedtime.

2. Make
the bedroom a comfortable quiet cool dark place to sleep, with no television or
other electronic devices. In know that
can be tricky in summer but do the best you can.

4. Use
a bedtime relaxation CD to teach the children to slow down their mind and body
after a busy day.

5. Avoid
the “I can’t sleep” argument. Ask
children to “lie down and rest their bodies” instead of telling them to “go to
sleep”.

6. Avoid TV computer or electronic games two
hours before bedtime - as they have all been found to make sleep more
difficult. Try encouraging play dough
play, drawing or a quiet snuggle time with their favourite plush toys instead.

7. Get
the kids out exercising in the day to help them sleep at night.